Nathan Patterson in Everton injury blow and Scotland doubt as Frank Lampard reveals ankle surgery for ex Rangers star

Nathan Patterson faces a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury in yet another setback at the start of his Everton career.

Frank Lampard revealed the bad news as he previewed Tuesday night's Premier League clash against Burnley.

It's yet another setback for the 20-year old who has still only made one appearance since his £12 million January move from Rangers.

Goodison Park boss Lampard hasn't put any time scale on Patterson's potential return, but he alluded to the right back 'having the summer' to get over the problem.

With Scotland in action in June, potentially the World Cup play-off semi final against Ukraine, Patterson's absence would be a huge blow to Steve Clarke's plans.

Fellow key defender Kieran Tierney also looks a major doubt for those fixtures with a knee injury with reports suggesting his season is over.

Patterson was finally in line to make his league debut for the Toffees in Sunday's game against West Ham, but the ankle issue ruled him out of that one.

He took to social media in the aftermath to confirm he was 'gutted' to miss out.

Lampard said: "Nathan Patterson will be out for a certain period time, he's been down to see a specialist on his ankle and we're looking at having a small operation later this week.

"He was due to make his debut, he knew that.

"That's the big disappointment. He's a bit frustrated, but the timing means he'll have the summer to really get over it. He'll get the right support in the short term and he'll be back."

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